Snack bag

ABSTRACT

The snack bag includes an opening edge having a first resilient member and another opening edge having a second resilient member. Opposite to the opening edges is a portion of the snack bag which functions as a base for placement on a surface. The first and second resilient members retain the snack bag in an open configuration where the snack bag functions as a container in a manner similar to a bowl. The opening edges may be re-sealable. In alternative embodiments the base may be formed of expansion ridges which may extend outwardly for positioning on a surface to maintain the opened snack bag in a substantially upright orientation for positioning of the opening edges vertically to provide convenient access to the contents of the snack bag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Packages for snack food items are generally formed of film and may beconstructed in the shape of a pouch. A designated tear seam or area isusually disposed proximate to the top of the package. The base of thepackage is normally formed of a single seam. Once a package of snackfood items has been opened, an individual is generally unable to placethe package in an upright position, to provide access through the opentop. Access into the open end or top of the package usually requires anindividual to use two hands, one hand holding the package, and the otherhand retrieving the contents of the package for consumption. Placementof the package on the side, in order to obtain access to the packagecontents, is generally inconvenient. In the past, the shape of the pouchor package of snack food items has restricted the orientation of thepackage when placed on a surface. A package placed on a surface isgenerally required to rest on the side of the package, during periods oftime when the package is not being held by an individual.

A need exists for a self-contained snack package which may be placed ina self-standing upright orientation following the opening of thepackage. A need exists for a snack package which permits an individualto use one hand to access the interior of the package to retrieve snackfood items.

In the past, a number of snack food packages have failed to incorporatethe use of resealing seams, or features for re-sealing, once the packagehad been opened. The absence of re-sealing seams has frequently resultedin the waste of snack food items, due to the snack food items becomingstale. Numerous mechanical items such as clips have been used byindividuals to attempt to re-seal previously opened packages of snackfood items to prolong freshness.

No snack food package is known which enables an opened package to beplaced on a surface in an upright orientation, in order to provideaccess into the package interior for retrieval of snack food items. Nosnack food package is known which enables the use of an upright packagehaving a re-sealing open edge to prolong freshness of snack food items.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The snack bag generally includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a front, anda central rear seam. The central rear seam is the portion of the packagewhich may be opened to provide access to the snack food items. First andsecond resilient members are preferably integral to the interior edgesof the central rear seam. The first and second resilient members may bemanipulated by an individual into an open configuration. The snack bagmay then be placed on a surface with the front face downwardly, and thecentral rear seam upwardly, to provide to an individual with theopportunity to retrieve snack food items. The first and second resilientmembers retain the snack bag in an open configuration followingplacement of the package on a horizontal surface.

The snack bag may alternatively be formed of a front having a top edge,which in turn may include a first expansion edge. On the front, oppositeto the top, a bottom edge may be provided having a second expansionedge. The front may also include an opening edge having a firstresilient member. Opposite to the opening edge is located a base sidehaving a central ridge and a first base ridge.

The snack bag may include a back having a top edge which may alsoinclude a third expansion edge. On the back, opposite to the top, abottom edge may be provided having a fourth expansion edge. The back mayalso have an opening edge including a second resilient member. A secondbase ridge may be located opposite to the opening edge.

The engagement between the top edges of the front and back define afirst end point. The engagement between the bottom edges of the frontand back define a third end point. The distal end of the first expansionedge defines a second end point; the distal end of the second expansionedge defines a fourth end point; the distal edge of the third expansionedge defines a fifth end point; and the distal end of the fourthexpansion edge defines a sixth end point.

The central ridge may be a fold or seam which extends between the firstand third end points. The first base ridge may also be a fold or seamextending between the second and fourth end points. The second baseridge may also be a fold or seam extending between the fifth and sixthend points.

The first and second resilient members may be constructed and arrangedto retain an open shape, separating the resilient members and theopening edges of the front and back, following the opening of the snackbag.

In some embodiments, the first base ridge and the second base ridge maybe constructed and arranged to expand outwardly into a substantiallyplanar alignment with the central ridge, when the opening edges of thefront and back are separated. The substantial planar orientation of thefirst base ridge, central ridge, and second base ridge preferablyfunctions as a base, so that an open snack bag may be placed on asurface, and maintained in an open position to facilitate retrieval ofthe contents of the package by an individual.

The front, back, first base ridge, central ridge, and second base ridgemay be formed of an integral one piece film as commonly used in snackbags. Alternatively, the snack bag may be formed of multiple sections offilm bonded or engaged together in the configuration of the snack bag asidentified herein.

The openings between the front and back may include mating re-sealablemembers to prolong the life of packaged snack items following theinitial opening of the package. The resilient members as well as there-sealing members may extend the entire length dimension, or a portionthereof, of the open side of the snack bag.

In a pre-delivery state, the first base ridge may be folded forpositioning adjacent to the second base ridge. In the deployed state, asubstantially planar relationship may exist between the first baseridge, the central ridge, and the second base ridge, where the first andsecond base ridges, as well as the central ridge, function as a base forthe open snack bag as placed on a surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 shows a prior art snack bag.

FIG. 2 shows a front isometric view of the snack bag.

FIG. 3 shows an environmental view of the snack bag.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative isometric view of the snack bag.

FIG. 5 shows a detail view of the base side of the snack bag.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional end view taken along the line of 6-6 of FIG.5 in the expanded or deployed configuration.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view taken along the lines of 6-6 ofFIG. 5 in the pre-deployment non-expanded configuration.

FIG. 8 is an alternative isometric view of the snack bag.

FIG. 9 is an alternative isometric view of the snack bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there aredescribed in detail herein specific preferred embodiments of theinvention. This description is an exemplification of the principles ofthe invention and is not intended to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments illustrated.

For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in thefigures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.

Various embodiments of the inventive snack bag are illustrated anddescribed herein. In general, the snack bag is referred to by thenumeral 10.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag 10 is formed of film whichminimizes oxygen permeation into the interior of the bag. The filmselected for the snack bag preferably prolongs the shelf-life andreduces spoilage of previously packaged snack food items.

During packaging, snack bags, immediately prior to the initial sealing,may be flushed with nitrogen to reduce the presence of oxygen. Flushinga snack bag with nitrogen may improve the shelf life for the packagedsnack items.

In the past, snack bags and/or packages have generally been formed intothe shape of a square or rectangular pouch. These snack packages havegenerally been opened by the tearing of the packages adjacent a topseam, to expose the contents of the package for consumption byindividuals.

In the past, the placement of an open snack package on a surface wasproblematic. Once a snack bag or package has been opened, the packagedoes not remain upright, and the contents of the package frequentlyspill from the package when the package is placed on a surface. Thesnack bags or packages as known have been required to be placed on apackage side following opening, risking the loss of the contents duringplacement on a surface. Another problem with the snack packages as knowninvolves the difficulty to retrieve items from the interior of thepackage once the package has been disposed on its side.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a substantiallyrectangular snack package includes a top, a bottom, a vertical side, anda base side 26 opposite to the vertical side. One of the vertical sideshas been designated as the principal location for opening of thepackage. The opposite vertical side is designated as a base. Once thepackage has been opened, the package may be rotated 90° for positioningof the open side upwardly, where the base side 26 includes a centralridge 28, a first base side ridge 30, and a second base ridge 48, all ofwhich may be expanded and serve as a base for the bag. The package asplaced on a surface will generally not tip over or spill the contents ofthe package. In addition, the upright configuration of the package onthe base side 26 enables an individual to conveniently retrieve thecontents of the package through an opening as positioned verticallyrelative to a surface. The utility of the snack bag is thereforesubstantially improved.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag 10 includes a front 12 havinga first or top edge 14. A portion of the first or top edge 14 may bedefined as a first expansion edge 16.

In some embodiments, the snack bag 10 includes a second or bottom edge18 which is opposite to the first or top edge 14. A portion of thesecond edge 18 may be defined as the second expansion edge 20. In atleast one embodiment, a third or vertical edge 22 extends between thefirst edge 14 and the second edge 18. The third or vertical edge 22preferably includes a first resilient member 24. The third or verticaledge 22 is preferably the portion of the snack bag 10 which may beopened to provide access to the contents of a snack bag 10.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag 10 includes a vertical baseside 26 which is opposite to the third edge 22. The base side 26generally extends between the first edge 14 and the second edge 18. Thebase side 26 generally includes the central ridge 28 and the first baseridge 30. The base side 26 may also include the second base ridge 48.

In some embodiments, the snack bag 10 includes a back 32 having a fourthor top edge 34. A portion of the fourth or top edge 34 may be defined asthe third expansion edge 36.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag 10 includes a fifth or bottomedge 38 which is opposite to the fourth or top edge 34. A portion of thefifth or bottom edge 38 may be defined as the fourth expansion edge 40.

In some embodiments, a sixth or vertical edge 42 extends between thefourth edge 34 and the fifth edge 38. The sixth or vertical edge 42preferably includes the second resilient member 44. The sixth orvertical edge 42 is preferably the portion of the snack bag 10 which isopened to provide access into the contents of the snack bag 10.

In at least one embodiment, the central ridge 28 extends between thefirst edge 14 and the second edge 18. In some embodiments, the firstbase ridge 30 extends between the first expansion edge 16 and the secondexpansion edge 20.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag 10 includes a second baseridge 48 which extends between the third expansion edge 36 and thefourth expansion edge 40.

In some embodiments, the front 12 and back 32 are formed of a singlesheet of film material. In alternative embodiments, the front 12 andback 32 may be formed of independent sections/portions of film materialhaving identical or similar performance characteristics, related to theprevention of oxygen permeation across the film membrane.

In at least one embodiment, a portion of the first edge 14 is engaged toa portion of the fourth edge 34. The portion of the first edge 14 may beengaged to the portion of the fourth edge 34 through bonding or throughthe use of adhesives or other chemical or mechanical attachment.Preferably, the engagement between a portion of the first edge 14 and aportion of the fourth edge 34 creates a top, substantially integralhorizontal seam for the snack bag 10. The engagement between a portionof the first edge 14 and a portion of the fourth edge 34 also preferablydefines a first corner 62 adjacent to the third or vertical edge 22, anda first end point 50 which is disposed proximate to the base side 26.

In some embodiments, the first edge 14 may be folded upon itself todefine the first expansion edge 16. The portion of the first edge 14 maybe bonded to the adjacent folded portion of the first edge 14, or may beengaged thereto through the use of adhesives or chemical or mechanicalattachment, tape, or any other fastening means, to form the firstexpansion edge 16. The first expansion edge 16 in at least oneembodiment, therefore defines a second end point 52, which is distal tothe first end point 50, and is opposite to the first corner 62. In atleast one embodiment, a portion or at least one point of the firstexpansion edge 16, is also engaged to the first end point 50. The firstexpansion edge 16 in some embodiments is elastically or moveably engagedto the first end point 50 permitting outward expansion during theformation of the base 26 of the snack bag 10.

In some embodiments, the fourth edge 34 may be folded upon itself todefine the third expansion edge 36. The portion of the fourth edge 34may be bonded to the adjacent folded portion of the fourth edge 34, ormay be engaged thereto through the adhesives or chemical or mechanicalattachment, tape, or any other fastening means, to form the thirdexpansion edge 36. The third expansion edge 36 in at least oneembodiment defines a fifth end point 58, which is distal to the firstend point 50, and is opposite to the first corner 62. In at least oneembodiment, at least one point of the third expansion edge 36 is engagedto the first end point 50. The third expansion edge 36 in someembodiments is elastically or moveably engaged to the first end point50, permitting outward expansion during the formation of the base 26 ofthe snack bag 10.

In some embodiments, a portion of the second edge 18 may be engaged to aportion of the fifth edge 38. The portion of the second edge 18 may beengaged to the portion of the fifth edge 38 through bonding, or throughthe use of adhesives or other chemical or mechanical attachment.Preferably, the engagement between a portion of the second edge 18 and aportion of the fifth edge 38, creates a bottom, substantially integralhorizontal seam for the snack bag 10. The engagement between a portionof the second edge 18 and a portion of the fifth edge 38 also preferablydefines a second corner 64. The second corner 64 is preferably adjacentto the third or vertical edge 22. The engagement between a portion ofthe second edge 18 and a portion of the fifth edge 38 also preferablydefines a third end point 54 which is disposed proximate to the baseside 26.

In some embodiments, the second edge 18 may be folded upon itself todefine the second expansion edge 20. The portion of the second edge 18may be bonded to the adjacent folded portion of the second edge 18, ormay be engaged thereto through the use of adhesives or chemical ormechanical attachment, tape, or any other fastening means, to form thesecond expansion edge 20. The second expansion edge 20, in at least oneembodiment, defines a fourth end point 56 which is distal to the thirdend point 54, and is opposite to the second corner 64. In at least oneembodiment, at least one point of the second expansion edge 20 isengaged to the third end point 54. The second expansion edge 20 in someembodiments may be elastically or moveably engaged to the third endpoint 54, permitting outward expansion during the formation of the baseof the snack bag 10.

In some embodiments, the fifth edge 38 may be folded upon itself todefine the fourth expansion edge 40. The portion of the fifth edge 38may be bonded to the adjacent folded portion of the fifth edge 38, ormay be engaged thereto through the use of adhesives and/or chemical ormechanical attachment, tape, or any other fastening means, to form thefourth expansion edge 40. The fourth expansion edge 40 in at least oneembodiment defines a sixth end point 60 which is distal to the third endpoint 54, and is opposite to the second corner 64. In at least oneembodiment, at least one point on the fourth expansion edge 40 isengaged to the third end point 54. The fourth expansion edge 40 in someembodiments is elastically or moveably engaged to the third end point 54permitting outward expansion during the formation of the base 26 of thesnack bag 10.

In some embodiments, the opening edges, namely, the third edge 22 andthe sixth edge 42 are initially sealed. Opening of the snack bag 10 mayoccur through the tearing of previously bonded film, or through anyother conventional opening means. Once the seal between the third edge22 and the sixth edge 42 has been broken or opened, then the third edge22 may be separated from the sixth edge 42.

In at least one embodiment, the first resilient member 24 and the secondresilient member 44 may be manipulated for separation relative to eachother to facilitate the opening of the snack bag 10, and the retentionof the snack bag 10 in an open orientation. In the open orientation, thefirst resilient member 24 preferably has acquired an arcuate shape,which in turn translates the arcuate shape to the third edge 22. In someembodiments, the second resilient member 44 is preferably manipulatedinto an arcuate open configuration, which in turn is translated to thesixth edge 42.

In at least one embodiment, the space between the separated third edge22 and sixth edge 42 defines the opening in the snack bag 10 used toprovide access to snack food items.

In some embodiments the first resilient member 24 and the secondresilient member 44 are formed of wire, metal, plastic, wood, rubber,composite materials, polymers, and any other material which isresiliently pliable and which may be manipulated into a desired shape,and retained in the desired shape during use of the snack bag 10. Thefirst resilient member 24 and the second resilient member 44 may becoated or encased within another material at the discretion of anindividual. The first resilient member 24 and the second resilientmember 44 may be engaged to the interior, or to the exterior, of thethird edge 22 and/or the sixth edge 42, respectively, through the use ofadhesives, bonding, tape, or chemical or mechanical attachment means, orthrough the formation of pockets adapted for receipt of a resilientmember. In the embodiments in which the third edge 22 and/or the sixthedge 42 include pockets, the first resilient member 24 and the secondresilient member 44 may be fixedly or releasably disposed within arespective pocket.

In some embodiments, the opening between the third edge 22 and the sixthedge 42 will extend the entire length dimension between the first corner62 and the second corner 64. Alternatively, the opening between thethird edge 22 and the sixth edge 42 may be less than the entire lengthdimension between the first corner 62 and the second corner 64.

In at least one embodiment, the third edge 22 and the sixth edge 42 eachinclude a mating re-sealing mechanism used to re-seal a previouslyopened snack bag 10 to prolong freshness of snack items. The matingre-sealing mechanism may be formed as mating channels similar to Ziploc®bag or other known sealing devices.

In some embodiments, the third edge 22 and the sixth edge 42 are vacuumsealed together. In this embodiment, an individual may pull apart therespective third edge 22 from the sixth edge 42 to break the vacuum sealto provide access to transported snack food items.

In at least one embodiment, the first base ridge 30, central ridge 28,and second base ridge 48 are formed as folds in the film material of thefront 12 and/or back 32. Alternatively, the first base ridge 30, centralridge 28, and second base ridge 48 may be formed as seams betweenadjacent sections of film material.

In some embodiments, the front 12 and back 32 are formed of a singleintegral sheet of film material. In other embodiments, the front 12,back 32, and base 26 of the snack bag 10, including the central ridge28, first base ridge 30, and second base ridge 32, may be formed of morethan a single portion or sheet of film material. In alternativeembodiments, the front 12, the back 32, and base 26 may include one ormore layers of film material to form the snack bag 10.

In at least one embodiment, the first base ridge 30 and a second baseridge 48 of the base side 26 function as symmetrical flaps of filmmaterial about the fold or seam of the central ridge 28. In thisembodiment, the flap of the first base ridge 30 is positioned proximateto, and may be in contact with, the flap of the second base ridge 48 inthe pre-deployment configuration for the base side 26. In an alternativeembodiment, the first base ridge 30 may be positioned distal to thesecond base ridge 48 in the pre-deployment configuration of the baseside 26.

In some embodiments, the first base ridge 30 and second base ridge 48expand outwardly away from the central ridge 28 during expansion of thebase side 26 to form the base 26 for the snack bag 10. As the first baseridge 30 and the second base ridge 48 are manipulated outwardly, asignificant portion of the first base ridge 32, and a significantportion of the second base ridge 48, obtain a substantially planarorientation with respect to the central ridge 28, in order to providethe snack bag 10 with a substantially flat base or base side 26. Thesnack bag 10 may then be placed on a surface with the expanded base orbase side 26 positioned downwardly.

In at least one embodiment, the base side 26, central ridge 28, firstbase ridge 30, and second base ridge 48 are configured in an expandingbellows configuration, which permits the central ridge 28 to be expandedfor substantial alignment with the first base ridge 30 and the secondbase ridge 48. Depression of the central ridge 28, in some embodiments,may also cause the first base ridge 30 and the second base ridge 48 tomove outwardly in order to create a stable base 26 for the snack bag 10.

In at least one embodiment, the expansion of the base 26 does not causethe separation of the first expansion edge 16 or the third expansionedge 36 from the first end point 50. In addition, in at least oneembodiment, the expansion of the base 26 does not cause the separationof the second expansion edge 20 or fourth expansion edge 40 from thethird end point 54.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag 10 is displayed for purchasewith the base side 26 and the opening edges, namely the third edge 22and sixth edge 42 in a vertical orientation. The exterior of the front12 and/or back 32 may therefore be provided with any desired markings toidentify the contents of the snack bag 10 to facilitate sale.

In some embodiments, the snack bag 10 may be rotated 90°, so that thethird edge 22 and the sixth edge 42 are disposed upwardly, prior to theopening of the bag 10. Any markings on the exterior of the front 12and/or back 32 will now be generally horizontally disposed. In thisconfiguration, the base side 26, central ridge 28, first base ridge 30and second base ridge 48 are disposed downwardly. The opening of thesnack bag 10 may then occur which in turn will minimize the spilling ofthe contents, and the loss of packaged snack food items.

In at least one embodiment, the opening of the snack bag 10, and thefree standing placement of the snack bag 10 on a surface, throughexpansion of the base 26, enables an individual to retrieve snack fooditems from the opening 74. The opening 74 is maintained by the outwardpositioning of the first and second resilient members 24, 44respectively. The utility of the snack bag 10 is thereby maximized.

In some embodiments, an individual may reseal the third edge 22 to thesixth edge 42 through the use of mating or interlocking channel members.The re-sealing of an open snack bag 10 may prolong the life ofpreviously packaged snack food items. Waste of purchased snack items maytherefore be minimized.

In at least one embodiment, package markings may be placed orincorporated on the exterior of the front 12 and/or back 32 for displayin a vertical orientation, where the third edge 22 and the base side 26extend upwardly from the second edge 18. In alternative embodiments, anydesired package markings may be incorporated or placed onto the exteriorof the front 12 and/or back 32 for display in a horizontal orientation,where the third edge 22 is positioned upwardly, and the base side 26 isdisposed downwardly for placement on a surface. In this orientation, thesnack bag 10 is free standing and functions as a container in a mannersimilar to a bowl.

In some embodiments the snack bag 10 may include a display tab 70 whichis used to engage a hanger as a portion of a retail display device. Thedisplay tab 70 may be integral or affixed to the first edge 14 and/orthe fourth edge 34, or to any other portion of the snack bag 10 asdesired. The display tab 70 may be engaged to the first edge 14 and/orthe fourth edge 34 through the use of bonding, adhesives, chemical ormechanical attachment, tape, or any other desired fastening means.

In at least one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 8, an alternative snackbag 10 may be formed through the insertion of a third corner 66 and afourth corner 68 inwardly, into the interior of the snack bag 10. Theinterior insertion of the third corner 66 and the fourth corner 68, inat least one embodiment, creates the first base ridge 30, central ridge28, and second base ridge 48. In this embodiment, a first expansion edge16, second expansion edge 20, third expansion edge 36, and fourthexpansion edge 40 are not required.

In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 8, the base side 26 includes asingle base edge which translates into the central ridge 28 upon thefolded insertion of the third corner 66 an fourth corner 68 inwardlyinto the interior of the snack bag 10. In at least one embodiment, theremaining elements of the front 12, back 32, top or first edge 14, backor fourth edge 34, first corner 62, third edge 22, first resilientmember 24, sixth edge 42, second resilient member 44, second corner 64,second or bottom edge 18, and/or fifth edge 38 are substantiallyidentical to the embodiments as previously identified herein.

In at least one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 9, an alternative snackbag 10 is shown. The snack bag 10 of FIG. 9 includes an integral front12 (not shown) and a back 32 having a central seam 72. The central seam72 generally extends between the fourth edge 34 and the fifth edge 38.The central seam 72 is generally positioned approximately equaldistances between the first corner 62 and the fourth corner 68, as wellas the second corner 64 and the third corner 66. The central seam 72 mayin an alternative embodiment be offset relative to a center line whichextends from the midpoint between the first corner 62 and the fourthcorner 68, along the fourth edge 34, and the midpoint between the secondcorner 64 and the third corner 66, along the fifth edge 38. The centralseam 72 may therefore be positioned closer to either the first side edge76 or the second side edge 78.

In at least one embodiment, the central seam 72 may extend in asubstantially parallel direction with respect to the fourth edge 34 andthe fifth edge 38. In yet another alternative embodiment the centralseam 72 may extend in a diagonal direction between either the firstcorner 62 and the third corner 66 or the second corner 64 and the fourthcorner 68.

The central seam 72 preferably includes a first opening edge 80 and asecond opening edge 82 which are similar to the third opening edge 22and the sixth opening edge 42 of FIGS. 3, 4, and 6 as earlier described.The first opening edge 80 includes the first resilient member 24 and thesecond opening edge 82 includes the second resilient member 44.

In some embodiments the central seam 72 is folded for flush positioningrelative to the back 32 in the pre-deployment configuration. The centralseam 72 is preferably lifted upwardly to be substantially perpendicularwith the plane of the back 32 immediately prior to the opening of thesnack bag 10. Any seal between the first opening edge 80 and the secondopening edge 82 may then be broken to open the snack bag 10. Followingthe breaking or tearing of any freshness seal, then the first openingedge 80 and the second opening edge 82 may be separated as depicted inFIG. 9. In the configuration as identified in FIG. 9 the first resilientmember 24 and the second resilient member 44 function as an open mouth,to retain the snack bag 10 in an open deployed configuration, to provideaccess into the interior of the snack bag 10, when the snack bag 10 hasbeen placed on a surface. In at least one embodiment, the front face 12of the snack bag 10 is in contact with a surface when the snack bag 10has been placed in the deployed configuration. In at least oneembodiment as depicted in FIG. 9, the front 12 of the snack bag 10functions as the base 26 in the deployed configuration. In the deployedconfiguration, the opening 74 in the back 32 is disposed upwardly sothat the snack bag 10 may function as a free standing container in amanner similar to a bowl.

In at least one embodiment the front 12 and the back 32 are formed of asingle sheet of film material. In this embodiment the first edge 14 andthe fourth edge 34 may be bonded together, or may be engaged together,through the use of adhesives or chemical or mechanical attachment, tape,or any other fastening means, to form the top edge of the snack bag 10.In this embodiment the second edge 18 and the fifth edge 38 may bebonded together, or may be engaged together, through the use ofadhesives or chemical or mechanical attachment, tape, or any otherfastening means, to form the bottom edge of the snack bag 10. In thisembodiment the first side edge 76 and the second side edge 78 may befolds in the film material.

In some embodiments the front 12 and the back 32 may be formed of one ormore sheets of film material. In this embodiment the first edge 14 andthe fourth edge 34 may be bonded together, or may be engaged together,through the use of adhesives or chemical or mechanical attachment, tape,or any other fastening means, to form the top edge of the snack bag 10.In this embodiment the second edge 18 and the fifth edge 38 may bebonded together, or may be engaged together, through the use ofadhesives or chemical or mechanical attachment, tape, or any otherfastening means, to form the bottom edge of the snack bag 10.

In at least one embodiment the first side edge 76 may be formed by thebonding of the front 12 to the back 32. Alternatively, the first sideedge 76 may be formed by the engagement of the front 12 to the back 32through the use of adhesives or chemical or mechanical attachment, tape,or any other fastening means, to form the first side edge 76.

In at least one embodiment the second side edge 78 may be formed bybonding of the front 12 to the back 32. Alternatively, the second sideedge 78 may be formed by the engagement of the front 12 to the back 32through the use of adhesives or chemical or mechanical attachment, tape,or any other fastening means, to form the second side edge 78.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag 10 includes: a frontcomprising a first edge having a first expansion edge, a second edgeopposite to the first edge, said second edge having a second expansionedge, a third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge,said third edge comprising a first resilient member, and a base sideopposite to the third edge extending between the first edge and thesecond edge, said base side comprising a central ridge, and a first baseridge; and a back comprising a fourth edge having a third expansionedge, a fifth edge opposite to the fourth edge, the fifth edge having afourth expansion edge, a sixth edge extending between the fourth edgeand the fifth edge, said sixth edge having a second resilient member,and a second base ridge extending between the third edge and the fourthedge, a portion of said first edge being engaged to a portion of saidfourth edge defining a first end point, said first expansion memberbeing engaged to said first end point defining a second end point onsaid first expansion edge, a portion of said second edge being engagedto a portion of said sixth edge defining a third end point, said secondexpansion edge being engaged to said third end point defining a fourthend point on said second expansion edge, said third expansion edge beingengaged to said first end point defining a fifth end point on said thirdexpansion edge, said fourth expansion edge being engaged to said thirdend point defining a sixth end point on said fourth expansion edge, saidcentral ridge extending between said first end point and said second endpoint, said first base ridge extending between said second end point andsaid fourth end point, and said second base ridge extending between saidfifth end point and said sixth end point.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes thefront comprising said central ridge, said first base ridge, and saidsecond base ridge.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes thefront comprising said central ridge and said first base ridge, said backcomprising said second base ridge.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes thefront and said back being integral to each other.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes thethird edge and said sixth edge comprising mating re-sealable members.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes thefirst resilient member extending substantially the entire lengthdimension of said third edge.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes thesecond resilient member extending substantially the entire lengthdimension of said sixth edge.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes thesnack bag having a first pre-deployed position/configuration whereinsaid first base ridge is proximate to said second base ridge.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally has a seconddeployed position/configuration wherein said first base ridge and saidsecond base ridge are distal to each other substantially defining aplane between said first base ridge, said central ridge, and said secondbase ridge.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally has the firstresilient member and said second resilient member being constructed andarranged to facilitate the separation of said third edge from said sixthedge when said snack bag is in said deployed position/configuration.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes thecentral ridge comprising a fold, the first base ridge comprising a fold,the second base ridge comprising a fold, the central ridge comprising aseam, the first base ridge comprising a seam, and/or the second baseridge comprising a seam.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes: a frontcomprising a first opening edge comprising a first resilient member, acentral ridge opposite to said first opening edge, and a first baseridge being engaged to said central ridge; and a back comprising asecond opening edge comprising a second resilient member, and a secondbase ridge opposite to said second opening edge, said second base ridgebeing engaged to said central ridge, said first resilient member andsaid second resilient member being constructed and arranged to retainsaid first opening edge and said second opening edge in an openposition, said first base ridge and said second base ridge beingconstructed and arranged for substantial planar alignment with saidcentral ridge when said first opening edge is separated from said secondopening edge in said open position.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes thefront and the back being integral to each other.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes saidfirst opening edge and said second opening edge each comprising matingre-sealable members.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes a firstpre-deployed position wherein said first base ridge is proximate to saidsecond base ridge.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes a frontand a back, said back comprising a central seam, said central seamcomprising a first opening edge comprising a first resilient member, anda second opening edge comprising a second resilient member, said firstresilient member and said second resilient member being constructed andarranged to retain said first opening edge and said second opening edgein a first separated deployed configuration, said front beingconstructed and arranged for positioning proximate to a surface in saidfirst separated deployed configuration.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes a firstcorner, a second corner, a third corner, a fourth corner, a top edge, abottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes saidfront and said back being integral to each other and said first openingedge and said second opening edge comprising mating re-sealable members.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes saidfirst resilient member extending substantially the entire lengthdimension of said first opening edge and said second resilient memberextending substantially the entire length dimension of said secondopening edge.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes the afirst pre-deployed configuration wherein said central seam is proximateto said back and a second deployed configuration wherein said centralseam is substantially perpendicular to said back.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes saidfirst resilient member and said second resilient member beingconstructed and arranged to facilitate the separation of said firstopening edge from said second opening edge when said snack bag is insaid deployed configuration.

In at least one embodiment, the snack bag additionally includes saidcentral seam comprising a fold.

The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive.This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one ofordinary skill in this art. All these alternatives and variations areintended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term“comprising” means “including, but not limited to”. Those familiar withthe art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodimentsdescribed herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassedby the claims.

Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims canbe combined with each other in other manners within the scope of theinvention such that the invention should be recognized as alsospecifically directed to other embodiments having any other possiblecombination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, forpurposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows shouldbe taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from allprior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependentclaim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within thejurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should bealternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). Injurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, thefollowing dependent claims should each be also taken as alternativelywritten in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependencyfrom a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claimlisted in such dependent claim below (e.g. claim 3 may be taken asalternatively dependent from claim 2; claim 4 may be taken asalternatively dependent on claim 2, or on claim 3; claim 6 may be takenas alternatively dependent from claim 5; etc.).

This completes the description of the preferred and alternateembodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognizeother equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein whichequivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attachedhereto.

1. A snack bag comprising: a) a front comprising a first edge having afirst expansion edge, a second edge opposite to the first edge, saidsecond edge having a second expansion edge, a third edge extendingbetween the first edge and the second edge, said third edge comprising afirst resilient member, and a base side opposite to the third edgeextending between the first edge and the second edge, said base sidecomprising a central ridge, and a first base ridge; and b) a backcomprising a fourth edge having a third expansion edge, a fifth edgeopposite to the fourth edge, the fifth edge having a fourth expansionedge, a sixth edge extending between the fourth edge and the fifth edge,said sixth edge having a second resilient member, and a second baseridge extending between the third edge and the fourth edge, a portion ofsaid first edge being engaged to a portion of said fourth edge defininga first end point, said first expansion member being engaged to saidfirst end point defining a second end point on said first expansionedge, a portion of said second edge being engaged to a portion of saidsixth edge defining a third end point, said second expansion edge beingengaged to said third end point defining a fourth end point on saidsecond expansion edge, said third expansion edge being engaged to saidfirst end point defining a fifth end point on said third expansion edge,said fourth expansion edge being engaged to said third end pointdefining a sixth end point on said fourth expansion edge, said centralridge extending between said first end point and said second end point,said first base ridge extending between said second end point and saidfourth end point, and said second base ridge extending between saidfifth end point and said sixth end point.
 2. The snack bag according toclaim 1, said front comprising said central ridge, said first baseridge, and said second base ridge.
 3. The snack bag according to claim1, said front comprising said central ridge and said first base ridge,said back comprising said second base ridge.
 4. The snack bag accordingto claim 1, wherein said front and said back are integral to each other.5. The snack bag according to claim 1, said third edge and said sixthedge comprising mating re-sealable members.
 6. The snack bag accordingto claim 1, wherein said first resilient member extends substantiallythe entire length dimension of said third edge.
 7. The snack bagaccording to claim 1, wherein said second resilient member extendssubstantially the entire length dimension of said sixth edge.
 8. Thesnack bag according to claim 1, said snack bag having a firstpre-deployed position wherein said first base ridge is proximate to saidsecond base ridge.
 9. The snack bag according to claim 8, said snack baghaving a second deployed position wherein said first base ridge and saidsecond base ridge are distal to each other substantially defining aplane between said first base ridge, said central ridge, and said secondbase ridge.
 10. The snack bag according to claim 9, wherein said firstresilient member and said second resilient member are constructed andarranged to facilitate the separation of said third edge from said sixthedge when said snack bag is in said deployed position.
 11. The snack bagaccording to claim 1, said central ridge comprising a fold.
 12. Thesnack bag according to claim 1, said first base ridge comprising a fold.13. The snack bag according to claim 1, said second base ridgecomprising a fold.
 14. The snack bag according to claim 1, said centralridge comprising a seam.
 15. The snack bag according to claim 1, saidfirst base ridge comprising a seam.
 16. The snack bag according to claim1, said second base ridge comprising a seam.
 17. The snack bagcomprising: a) a front comprising a first opening edge comprising afirst resilient member, a central ridge opposite to said first openingedge, and a first base ridge being engaged to said central ridge; and b)a back comprising a second opening edge comprising a second resilientmember, and a second base ridge opposite to said second opening edge,said second base ridge being engaged to said central ridge, said firstresilient member and said second resilient member being constructed andarranged to retain said first opening edge and said second opening edgein an open position, said first base ridge and said second base ridgebeing constructed and arranged for substantial planar alignment withsaid central ridge when said first opening edge is separated from saidsecond opening edge in said open position.
 18. The snack bag accordingto claim 17, wherein said front and said back are integral to eachother.
 19. The snack bag according to claim 17, said first opening edgeand said second opening edge each comprising mating re-sealable members.20. The snack bag according to claim 17, further comprising a firstpre-deployed position wherein said first base ridge is proximate to saidsecond base ridge.
 21. The snack bag comprising: a front and a back,said back comprising a central seam, said central seam comprising afirst opening edge comprising a first resilient member, and a secondopening edge comprising a second resilient member, said first resilientmember and said second resilient member being constructed and arrangedto retain said first opening edge and said second opening edge in afirst separated deployed configuration, said front being constructed andarranged for positioning proximate to a surface in said first separateddeployed configuration.
 22. The snack bag according to claim 21, furthercomprising, a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, a fourthcorner, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second sideedge.
 23. The snack bag according to claim 21, wherein said front andsaid back are integral to each other.
 24. The snack bag according toclaim 21, said first opening edge and said second opening edgecomprising mating re-sealable members.
 25. The snack bag according toclaim 21, wherein said first resilient member extends substantially theentire length dimension of said first opening edge.
 26. The snack bagaccording to claim 21, wherein said second resilient member extendssubstantially the entire length dimension of said second opening edge.27. The snack bag according to claim 21, said snack bag having a firstpre-deployed configuration wherein said central seam is proximate tosaid back.
 28. The snack bag according to claim 21, said snack baghaving a second deployed configuration wherein said central seam issubstantially perpendicular to said back.
 29. The snack bag according toclaim 21, wherein said first resilient member and said second resilientmember are constructed and arranged to facilitate the separation of saidfirst opening edge from said second opening edge when said snack bag isin said deployed configuration.
 30. The snack bag according to claim 21,said central seam comprising a fold.